Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Within the lower recesses of a volcano came the sound of heavy footsteps. Pebbles bounced on the ground with more fervor the closer the steps came. And as the tall being passed through the tunnels, the golden shroud hanging off the back of his shoulders dragged across the ground.

The heat of the caverns made the rooms and tunnels glow a subtle orangy-red. Pools with pits of magma bubbled and wavered with heat. The giant robot traveling through the large tunnels and rooms had no qualms whatsoever about the swelter.

In fact, he made his way to a room with a large lava pool at the back. Some large rocks scattered across the floor, formed naturally and fallen from the planet’s core collapse. The large drone hummed a quiet tune as he fiddled with his shroud.

It was carefully placed onto a boulder. With the cover-up off, the Wyvern Drone’s stone-grey scales could better be seen. On his back were mane-like golden scales, the metal looking to flow through the seams of his grey scales just below.

The Wyvern Drone moved on towards the smaller room at the very back, just across the tunnel. The pool of lava sluggishly bubbled and wafted with fierce heat. The drone raised a leg and tested the heat with a stone-grey toe.

Sensing that the heat was perfect, as always, he fully stepped inside. He made sure to take his time as he sat down, one limb entering the natural “tub” at a time. The Wyvern Drone would eventually let out a pleased sigh as he leaned against the back of the lava pit.

Some of the smaller golden droplets and specks on his metal and scales slowly melted down from the stagnant heat of the room. But the robot himself couldn’t care less. It was like a spa bath to him.

“If those humans did anything right, it was accidentally creating the perfect lava springs.” The Wyvern Drone spoke to himself, tilting his head towards the ceiling. “Too bad I can’t thank ‘em for offing themselves.” A chuckle escaped his lips.

For a few more minutes, things remained quiet. The lava bubbled and tiny speckles of melted gold dribbled down his frame. The large chunks of layered gold sitting on the sides of the jutting and stalagmite-like parts of his chest glimmered within the magma’s glow.

“You know, I think I could sit in this thing forever.” The Wyvern Drone went on to himself. “Unfortunately, I really can’t. But it’d be nice!”

He then tilted his head down to stare at his tail. Lava slid off and back into the pit. The spikes on the end reflected the magma’s glow, much like the other golden parts of his frame.

“Maybe I should find something to eat after this.” The male robot sighed to himself. “And after that, I’ll search for more gold.” His tail dropped back into the bath.

He adjusted his frame and got even comfier in the pit. Some lava overflowed and oozed from the edges. The two giant and twirling horns on his head, covered in even more gold, had the tips dip into the lava’s surface.

The Wyvern Drone made a quiet purr within the natural bath, closing his yellow optics to further relax.

Somewhere else within the mines, a little cart whizzed through. A minecart was attached to the little car, filled with gemstones and metals. Small rocks on the ground made the treads bump and mould around them. The Worker Drone sitting within the car didn’t mind.

A hot breeze rustled her dirtied purple hair. Dark and foggy splotches littered her white face plates. More stains coated her dark overalls and bright, striped shirt. A toolbelt sat on her waist and steel-toe boots pressed against the pedals of her car.

The said little car slowed to a stop by a crystal cropping. Uzi hopped off her cart with her pickaxe, hitting the crystals and making them fall. She tossed the new gems into the cart and sped off again.

“I’ll hit up a few more deposits before going back home.” She told herself, a small grin present on her face plates. “Hopefully I can sell all this for some good medicines!” She giggled giddily.

Uzi stopped her cart by another crystal deposit. It was cracked and broken and the shards were dumped into the minecart. Uzi sped off deeper into the hot cavern. Her optics lingered on ores too high up for her to reach, sitting within the ceiling just waiting to be carved out.

“Maybe with the meds I get from this haul, I’ll be able to afford a mining drill. It’d make this work far easier.” She huffed to herself.

Making another pit stop, Uzi hopped off her car and jogged over towards a crack in the wall. Her gloved hands brushed away the lingering grit. She peered inside it, the light on her miner’s cap shining into the crevice. Uzi stepped back and rose her pick to bring it down upon the crack.

It took a few whacks before the stone crumbled and revealed what was underneath. Uzi smiled brightly at the Dreamcore Ore. Uzi quickly mined the rest of it out, letting rocks fall and dust settle onto the stone floor.

The ore was swiftly tossed into her cart. Just as the ore settled amongst the other treasures, the radio in her modified trolley crackled to life.

[U▒i! Uz▒! Uzi!] Someone called repeatedly through the static.

The said woman picked up the radio. “I’m here! What is it?”

[Damnit, where are you?!] The man asked. [Did yo▒ –The mines a▒n?!] Static kept cutting through the line.

“Only a little, don’t worry! I’m on my way back now!” But Uzi was able to understand him.

[▒W many times ha▒…▒old you not to g▒ –So deep?!] The enraged man on the other side scolded.

“Chill out, dad! I’m fine! Get off my back!” Uzi huffed as she sat back in her car. “I was just getting some of the more valuable stuff from deeper within! You know, in the places that you’re too scared to go?!” Her brows knitted together as she turned her trolley around.

[For good reason!] Khan exclaimed back. [Just▒ –Back here!] He finished.

“I already am! I keep telling you that!” His daughter yelled back. “Have some damn patience every once in a while!” She then slammed the radio back onto the console, finalizing the conversation.

The female Worker Drone growled as she kept driving, pressing harder onto the gas pedal. While the trolley couldn’t go faster than fifty at best, it still made the ride a bit bumpier. Enough so that when Uzi made a sharp turn down into another tunnel, the cart connected at the back tipped over from its own weight.

Uzi and her car were forced to the ground along with it. She yelped as she fell, grunting out in pain as her side met the floor. Uzi stumbled to her feet and brushed off the dust. She turned to her cart and all the dropped materials scattered on the floor.

A deeper growl made her expression turn all the more sour. Uzi squatted down and struggled to get her car back up. It was only when she disconnected the cart that she could finally get it back onto its treads.

The cart followed suit and was attached once more. Uzi then began cleaning up all the crystals and ores and even the cool bones she found. The old cart groaned on its wheels as its weight increased all over again.

“Aw, ssshhhit! You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Uzi then exclaimed.

She picked up the shattered remains of the Dreamcore Ore. The tiny fragments slipped through her fingers and fell back onto the ground. Uzi let out a loud groan and rolled her entire head.

“There goes that mineral I guess!” She threw her arms into her air as she stood back up. “At least I have everything else.”

Uzi looked to some other shattered crystals, too turned-into-dust to be of any use or value.

“Mostly…”

With yet another annoyed puff blowing past her lips, Uzi made sure the cart and trolley were thoroughly connected before driving off again. This time, she made sure to watch her speed when making turns.

As the female Worker Drone drove through the many twisting and turning tunnels of the sweltering cavern, her optics kept a look-out for any dangers ahead. Despite the lack of human threats, there were still plenty of robotic threats left behind to strike them down.

‘But I’ve been lucky enough to avoid them all today.’ Uzi reminded herself. ‘Though, now that I think about it, I haven’t really seen any Monster Drones since I came so far out.’ Her optics narrowed on the sights around her.

“Maybe my dad’s fear is unfounded. I wouldn’t put it past him.” She rolled her optics for a split second.

But that split second allowed her to spot something large and glittering from the very corner of her visor. Uzi stomped on the brake, making the whole car shake. Uzi backed up to peer down the tunnel. Her lavender eye lights would void at what she saw.

There, at the end of the tunnel and at the edge of a larger room, sat the biggest piece of gold she’s ever seen.

It glittered and glimmered elegantly within the reddish light of the room. Its bright yellow color pierced through the darker glows of the magma sitting in tiny pools and the embers ever-floating throughout the volcano.

Uzi couldn’t dare pass up such an opportunity! She turned her car and drove straight for the gold. She hopped off and jogged all around it, marveling at its size, its sheen, and its beauty.

“If I sold you… I’d probably be the richest drone from my colony…” Uzi murmured. “No… I’d be the richest drone period!” A big grin spread across her face plates.

She made an eager laugh as she turned back to her cart. Uzi took out a measuring tape to gauge the size of the gold. Her eye lights sparkled even brighter.

“It’s over half my size! This is amazing!!” She hopped out in giddy glee. “Shit! How am I gonna take this back to the camp?!” But her glee soon faltered as a realization hit her.

Uzi turned to her trolley and cart. Both were old and rusting, having seen much better days prior to the core collapse. Uzi’s optics then flicked to the metals and crystals glimmering within the grey cart.

For a few tense minutes, Uzi just stared at the materials. Her head swerved back to the giant golden chunk, sitting peacefully and elegantly on a boulder.

“I could get far more from the gold than this cart-full of metal and stuff.” Uzi told herself.

It took her another minute to make a decision. Uzi grit her teeth and unhooked the cart from her trolley. Uzi took some hooks and ropes from her tool bag and started attaching them to the giant hunk of precious metal.

Once everything was tightened and secured, double and triple-checked, Uzi got back into her car. She started it up, hearing it sputter to life. With a glance back to the gold, she shook her head and started on her way home.

The trolley had a little trouble dragging the gold off the boulder. It was so heavy that the treads just about dug themself a hole. But Uzi had modified her car for situations exactly like this!

. . .

Okay, maybe not exactly like this, but to situations close enough!

Uzi fiddled with some controls and put her car into a different gear. Finally, it started to make some ground. Although, it was still very slow just due to the damn weight of the gold.

“But it’ll be totally worth it once I become the richest drone on the planet!” Uzi cackled to herself.

She exited the tunnel and resumed making her way back to her colony. It was hard for her not to be a little manic about this glorious find!

“Maybe it’ll also teach my dad not to be so much of a pussy about the deeper mines! I haven’t even come across any Monster Drones!” Uzi puffed in pride. “Well– I kinda doubt it, actually. But at least I’ll be able to rub this find in his face!” Uzi pumped an eager fist at her side.

She sped up as much as she could while toting around the giant slab of layered gold. Some dust accumulated on the underside, but that was fine! A good wash and polishing, maybe a waxing, and it’ll be good as new!

“Just watch me, colony! You’ll see who’s ‘stupid’ and ‘crazy’ and ‘making a death wish’ when I come back richer than anyone else ever! HAHAHAHA!!!” Uzi cackled into the caverns, the sound echoing out, as if to cheer with her.

Chapter Text

Lying within his lava bath tub, N’s optics booted up. He let out a quiet and tired groan as he rubbed his foggy visor. Things came back into focus and he looked around.

“Shoot. Must’ve fallen asleep again.” He grumbled to himself. “Welp, guess I should get out now. I’ve got gold to find and add to my frame, heheh~” He giggled to himself.

The Kulve Taroth Drone lifted up and stepped out of the natural tub. Lava oozed down his plating and scales, dripping onto the hot floor. N stretched his arms up over his head and yawned. His voice box made a staticky pop all the while.

N shook the dribbling lava and gold off his body before moving on. He hummed a quiet tune as he kicked off more clingy magma. Tussling his already messy but platinum blond hair, he got some golden flecks out of it.

Stepping into the slightly cooler but still very warm room just next door, N reached to grab his shroud. But his hand just grasped onto thin air. N opened his optics back up. He turned to the boulder he knew he left his shroud on.

Except it wasn’t there.

N stared at the boulder for a solid minute. His other hand fell from his short locks, falling limp at his side. Another silent minute passed as N simply stared at the bare boulder. He heard the lava in his bathtub bubble behind him.

The Kulve Taroth Drone felt his fury bubble over.

A loud and bellowing roar erupted from the volcano that was his throat, echoing down the halls and making the cavern rumble.

Uzi’s trolley sped back to the mining camp as fast as it could while in heavy gear. As she approached the fellow Worker Drones, her grin got all the wider. They turned towards her upon hearing something dragging on the ground, only to go hollow-eyed at the giant hunk of gold trailing behind her.

The colonymates continued to stare after her with gaping mouths. Uzi just laughed at their expressions in her sidemirrors. She pressed harder onto the gas and picked up the pace.

Eventually, she made her way back to the main camp. Her trolley came to a stop and Uzi hopped out. Other colony members came out from tents or mine tunnels to see what the commotion was about.

As soon as they spotted the enormous golden mass, whispers began running rampant. It was hard for them not to put down their drills and pickaxes and come close. Someone tried touching the gold, only for his hand to be slapped away.

Uzi growled and glowered at him. He stepped back, quietly whining about his aching hand. Uzi rolled her eyes and huffed. Her attention would turn to her dad as he entered the room.

“Uzi Roscoe Doorman! Where have youuuuuuu– That is a lot of gold.” But his scolding would trail off into shock.

“I know!” Uzi puffed her chest out in pride. “And I found it all on my own! In the deeper tunnels that you like to so fervently claim are so dangerous!” Her look turned challenging.

“Which, by the way, there were no Monster Drones down there! Not even a small one!” She added as her brows knitted together. “I don’t get why you’re so afraid of going down there when there’s nothing there to begin with!” She stretched her arms out for further emphasis.

Khan gave her a worried glance before turning back to the golden heap. A sweat drop scrolled down his visor.

“It’s still dangerous, even if there aren’t Monster Drones down there.” Her dad replied tiredly, as if he’s said this a million times before.

And he has.

“The environment can be just as dangerous as a Monster Drone! Which is why we all steer clear of the deeper caverns.” He went on, his hands on his hips.

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. You’re a pussy, I get it.” Uzi just rolled her optics.

Khan wanted to smack her upside the head for that comment but refrained. He has more important things to worry about. Like the giant mantle of gold his daughter found.

“Anyways, just where did you find this, exactly?” Her dad then pointed to the said gold.

“Just lying on some boulder in some room.” Uzi waved off. “It was just sitting there and up for grabs! Might as well take advantage of it! ‘Finder’s keepers,’ or whatever, right?” The woman shrugged.

Khan opened his mouth to reply, but couldn’t think of anything. Instead, he let out a sigh and rubbed his visor tiredly.

“Yeah, that checks out.” He muttered to himself instead. “Well, I have to admit that I am impressed.” He proceeded to confess as his hand fell back to his side.

Uzi giggled in triumph, grinning smugly. “I knew you would be! It’s the best find ever, after all!”

“But I assume you’re going to sell this?” Her father then walked closer to inspect the shimmering mass.

“Of course! I’m gonna become the richest drone on the planet!” Uzi patted her chest.

“Well, I’m sure the colony could use some of that wealth!” Khan grinned at the gold, his hands placing onto his hips. “We could get new equipment, tools, camping gear, supplies, repairs, all sorts of things!” He laughed jovially.

But Uzi’s prideful look quickly diminished. She whipped around to her father, scoffing at the insinuation.

“I’m not giving any of it away! And certainly not to any of you guys! Are you crazy?!” She asked back, a brow raising.

Khan’s own grin fell as he turned back to her. “Why wouldn’t you give us some? It’ll help the colony so much!” He held out his arms.

“Uh– The colony didn’t find this, now, did you?!” Uzi pointed as her brows furrowed. “I did, so I get all the profits!”

“You could at least give us a cut!” Khan argued as his own expression fell into discontent.

“Hell no! I was the one who found it, dragged it back here, and am planning to sell it to the highest bidder! You all can find your own gold mountain to take home!” She jabbed a finger into her father’s chest.

“Uzi Doorman, you can share some of the proceeds from this gold!” Khan yelled back. “I mean– What are you even going to do with all that medicine?!” He added incredulously.

“Sell your own golden mountain! I don’t have to share shit with you lot!” His daughter snarled right back. “And by the way, I’m going to live the rest of my life in lavish and snooty paradise!” She quickly answered her dad’s inquiry.

“UZI–!!” Khan shouted as his eye lights went void.

But his daughter just shoved past him. Uzi slapped some more hands away from her catch before hopping into her car. Khan moved to stop her, but she was starting off again. He had to quickly scramble back before he was run over by the gold.

Khan stared at his daughter’s retreating back as she drove towards the mine’s entrance. He let out an aggravated groan and pinched his facial screen in stress.

“I guess she’s never heard of ‘sharing is caring’.” Someone commented quietly.

Khan whipped around to glare at her. The woman recoiled, much like everyone snickering around her. Khan turned back to the main tunnel leading to the entrance.

‘What am I going to do with her?’ He let out another sigh as his head hung.

News about Uzi’s glittering find traveled fast. Before she knew it, wealthy drones were lining up to get a piece of her gold. Uzi used this to her advantage, hosting a bidding session to test the waters.

Within days, she had a room chock full of robots willing to spend their life savings on the mountain. Uzi couldn’t quite believe it at first. But after thinking about how she’ll be able to get out of these mines—and maybe even start up her own mining company—she quickly began to believe it.

“WELCOME!!! EVERYONE!!! Welcome to all of you super-uber rich men and women alike!!” Uzi exclaimed into her megaphone in greeting.

There was a resounding round of greetings back while the crowd erupted into applause. Uzi took it all in as she stepped towards the platform. Everyone quieted down again as she reset her voice box.

“Thank you all for coming to this auction! As you can see, our one and only item for sale is this BEAUTIFUL golden mantle!” The woman gestured to the said thing. “After some measurements, we’ve concluded that this hunk of gold came in at about eleven whole feet!!” She yelled as her grin grew even bigger.

More applause went around as well as wide-eyed cooing of amazement. The mantle hung over them all, suspended by hooks and cranes. Some lights shone onto the mantle to be reflected back brilliantly.

“For your convenience, this mantle has been tested for its purity! And I can tell you all right now; It’s pretty damn pure!” Uzi called to the crowd.

“Is there an exact estimate?” Someone called from the seats.

“It is to my understanding that it is about eighteen to twenty-two karats! Multiple testing methods have been used on it, and I can tell you that there is little to no metal within the gold!” Uzi answered the woman.

Some shocked but pleasantly surprised noises made their rounds among the crowd.

“What about damage? Is there any damage?” Another man asked.

“Good question! When this was found, there was very little damage! And it was all superficial; Just scrapes and scratches that have already been buffed right out!” Uzi replied. “Any other questions?” She then inquired.

Some mumblings, but no outspoken inquiries.

“Alright!” Uzi nodded. “Since this beauty is not only quite heavy, but pure and large, the bid will start at one-hundred thousand meds!” The woman then laughed to the crowd.

Some murmurs went around, optics narrowing thought. A hand suddenly shot up.

“Two-hundred thousand!” She yelled.

“Three-hundred!”

“Three-fifty!”

“Four- fifty!”

And just like that, the bids were coming in hot like volcanic meteors.

He can’t find it.

He can’t find it.

THERE IS NO DAMN PLACE THAT HE’S SEARCHED THAT HAS HIS SHROUD!!!

N slammed his fist into the stone wall. It rumbled as a crater was left in its wake. Pebbles and dust fell to the floor with a faint clatter.

The Kulve Taroth Drone’s other fist balled up so tight his golden claws pierced into his palm. Coolant oozed and dripped to the ground, painting the hot rocks and making the fluid sizzle.

An enraged and guttural gnarl made N’s jutting chest rattle with its ferocity. His tail made a heavy slam onto the ground, making the floor rumble. Removing his fist from the wall, N stomped down the cavern halls again.

His golden claws scraped grooves into the floor. A considerable heat ignited under his chest plates and the clinging gold. Hot huffs and puffs snorting from his mouth only added more heat to the deep caverns.

N returned to the last place he’d seen his cloak. He stared at the barren boulder intensely. His gaze narrowed as he walked over and took a heavy seat on it. A loud thump resounded in the room as he leaned his elbow onto his scaled knees.

“My shroud couldn’t have melted down. It may be hot here, but not enough that all that gold would be melted down.” He spoke to himself as his tail swished around. “I also would’ve seen the giant puddle it’d have created if it melted down.”

N propped his chin on a hand. “And no other Wyvern Drones would dare to steal it right out from under me! Nevermind actually want to stick around these caverns.”

Another scorching, ember-laden vent blew from his lips. N’s ardently-swaying tail bumped into something. N was snapped out of his grumbling daze and turned to the object.

A small cart now lay on the floor, heavily dented from the swipe it took. Shattered crystals and bent metal ores now lay scattered on the ground. Some crystals were so damaged one could compare them to straight glitter.

N stared at the fallen items for a few seconds. For a moment, his expression turned confused.

‘Was that there before?’ He wondered. ‘I… I don’t remember.’

‘I don’t think it was there when I’d taken off my shroud. So… It’s new, at least relatively.’ A brow came down in thought. ‘It’s most certainly one of the little carts those Worker Drones use, though…’

Suddenly, N’s optics narrowed again. The Kulve Taroth Drone’s sights turned to the tunnel leading to the room. Another growl made his whole chest rumble.

The huge robot fell onto all fours. The cart was swiped up into his jaws and he began on yet another trek. This time, his steps were much more calm and methodical.

“I let those damn pests travel around my cave, take its resources, live in it, die in it, and this is how they repay me?!” He snarled. “Well, fine. If they want to pillage this volcano of all its materials, then I’m going to teach them not to dig too deep!”

“Because now, this volcano is erupting. Whether they like it or not.” Black pupils formed within N’s eye lights, horizontal like a goat’s.

Chapter Text

The auction couldn’t have gone any better!

With dozens of millions of meds to her name, Uzi was set for the rest of her life. And then some! And for any possible children she might have! Generational wealth, wahoo!!

Uzi sped through the ashen snow with her giant cart full of bags and briefcases of meds. She stopped at a large house, standing tall within the late night. The woman smiled up at it in glee, sparkles forming in her eye lights.

“One day, I’m gonna live in a house just like this.” She spoke to herself. “And that day is finally coming soon! Haha!” She barked a laugh.

Uzi sped off again, this time towards the mines where she found the gold. She’ll have to make a pit stop at home to drop off her new medicine, but after that, she’s getting the hell outta there!

“And with all this medicine, I could even make my own mining company! I could get even richer!” Uzi called to the sky. “To unnecessary golden toilets, I go!!”

With that, Uzi pressed the pedal to the metal and sped off towards home, intending on storing it away until further notice. And hell. Maybe she will give a small cut to her colony.

Just a little.

The Outpost 3 mines were quick to get back to work. Although Khan had garnered a new stress wrinkle to his display, they couldn’t dilly-dally for long. They still had plenty of work to do to make their own riches.

‘Perhaps… Uzi is right…’ And some of that work included double-guessing himself. ‘Maybe the deeper volcano isn’t as dangerous as I thought it was. Maybe all there is are lava pits and such.’ A hand stroked his chin in thought.

“I’ll have to put together a scouting team to investigate the deeper caverns. That’s the only way we’ll find out for sure that they’re safe enough to mine in.” He mumbled to himself as he stared at a map.

As he kept staring, Khan noticed that the sounds of mining drills and rattling carts had stopped. A brow quirked down as he turned to the tent’s entrance. Khan stepped out to see why everything had stopped.

The cause was swift to make herself known, standing among some crates in a new outfit she bought. Khan’s posture and face fell at seeing his daughter, all decked out in a pin-stripe, dollar-green suit—fedora included—and wearing various glittering silver jewelry. But he let out a stressed sigh and walked over.

“Well, I can see that all that medicine you must’ve gotten has already gone straight to your CPU!” Khan spoke as he stopped in front of his daughter.

“Only a little.” Uzi scoffed with a grin. “Anyways, I took some time to think it over, and I’ve decided to give you a small portion of my profits.” She went on, placing a hand on her hip.

“Oh?” Her father perked up in mild surprise. “Well, I’m glad you’ve changed your CPU! We’ll be happy to take such–!” He went on, taking another step closer.

A bag was suddenly tossed right into his arms. Khan nearly fell, but managed to stay standing. He stared down at the small sack, only about the size of his torso. Khan set it on the ground to stare at the multi-colored contents.

“I… See that this must not be a very large portion, huh?” He vented out as his face fell again.

“Not really, but it’s something, right?” Uzi smirked behind her glittering sunglasses.

Khan didn’t know if he wanted to argue with her when she was like this. So he decided not to.

“Right.” Was all he said. “Well… Thanks for the generous charity, Uzi.” He added as he stood.

“Of course! Might as well wrap up a few ties before moving on from this place for good, you know?” Uzi smirked again, leaning back against the crates she lounged on.

“Uhh– Yeah.” Khan’s brows flicked up. “Anyways, if that’s all, you should just go home—or wherever you’ve decided to live now.” He tried to shoo her off.

“Aw, don’t wanna say goodbye to your super-successful and super-rich daughter?” Uzi cocked her head. “Eh, that’s fine by me! I don’t really have anything else to say anyway! Haha!” She laughed as she hopped off the crates.

Uzi began to strut away, kicking her legs high in the air with her chin held high in pride. Khan rubbed his visor with a hand.

‘All I can hope for at this point is for her to not let the medicine get too into her head.’ He grumbled in his CPU.

“Welp, it was horrible knowing you all!” Uzi then called from the entrance. “Half of you bullied me, but look where I am now! Richer than aaallll of you folks, that’s where!” She cackled.

“Only because you deserved it!” Lizzy called back, a slight sneer on her face plates.

“HAHAHA!! Enjoy your man while it lasts, because Robo-Lord knows I’m gonna steal him, bitch.” Uzi flipped her off, boring hateful holes into her bully all the while.

Lizzy’s eye lights went hollow as she reeled back. Uzi scoffed and her grin returned. With a sashay of her short purple hair, she spun on her dress shoe heel and started on her way out again.

“Later, losers–!” She waved her hand high in the air.

But a loud and trembling boom resounded from deeper within the mine. Drones flinched and fell onto their asses and a panic began to quickly set in. Eye rings flicked about in search of the noise’s origin and robots began to run around in a frenzy.

“Everyone, everyone! Calm down! I’m sure it was just a piece of dynamite!” Khan called loudly over the panic.

But he was quickly proven wrong as miners from deeper within the caverns began fleeing to the entrance. A dented minecart was thrown from its dark depths. The sound of stomping echoed from the main tunnel leading deeper in. Everyone turned to stare at the large tunnel as the noise got louder and the trembling turned into tremors.

From within the darkened depths of the tunnel came a huge and hulking Monster Drone. As he reared his head into the light of the larger room, the gold covering all over him glimmered brilliantly.

But the brilliance of his form was quickly diminished by the dirty tarp covering his back—tied just under his chest plates. A few drones gave it a confused look as it really clashed with the rest of him.

But despite the stunning sight, the Monster Drone didn’t look all that happy. Worker Drones cowarded behind supplies, furniture, and their own peers. The Monster Drone rose up onto his hind legs, towering over them all even more.

“Where is it?” He eventually vented out, embers flying into the air.

Silent penetrated the room like drills. The Monster Drone became all the more enraged, roaring at the tinier robots and making the whole cave tremor.

“WHERE THE ABYSS IS IT!?!”

“Where is what?!” Khan chanced asking back, covering his audials.

Another vent blew past the Monster Drone’s lips. “My shroud.” He answered coldly.

Khan turned back up to him, eye lights hollowed. His vents shut tight and he had to take a moment to process the answer.

“I–... I have no idea what you’re talking about, S-Sir.” He replied with a short motion of his head.

“MY SHROUD!!” The Monster Drone bellowed again. “The thing that’s always covering my back! The thing that glitters so beautifully! The thing that I always have attached to my back and hips! MY PRECIOUS GOLDEN SHROUD!!!” He slammed the wall with his fist.

A large rock fell and nearly quashed someone to death. The Wyvern Drone’s roar echoed across the cave again. Everyone turned to stare at him in silent terror.

“It’s a mantle. Made entirely of gold!” He went on as a snarl formed on his lips. “Surely you know what gold is?!” His livid expression only got worse.

“A mantle…” Khan whispered as his brows shot up.

His expression would soon change to anger. He whipped around to his daughter, having been stunned in place by the giant robot.

Khan placed his hands onto his hips. “Why, yes! I think I know exactly what you’re talking about, Mr…” Khan trailed off, optics flicking up and down across the giant.

“N.” He answered.

“Mr. N!” Khan finished with a grin. “Uzi! Why don’t you tell this Monster Drone just where his mantle is, hm?” Khan turned back to his daughter.

Uzi startled and stared at her father with eye rings. They flicked back to the fifteen-foot tall beast. N glowered down at her with his goat-like eyes, the black pupils thin. She finally snapped out of her scared daze with a nervous laugh.

“Ahah! Y-Your mantle! Yes! Uh!” She stumbled over her own words. “I think I’ve seen something like that before!”

“And where is it?” N snarled out with a wave of his stone-grey tail.

Uzi felt the sweat drops rain down her visor. “I-I don’t know exactly–!” She answered.

The Kulve Taroth Drone slammed his other fist into the wall. It tremored and rumbled.

“Then find it.” He hissed.

“Tha-at’s a lot easier said than done–!” Uzi went to say.

N whipped towards the nearest Worker Drone. He opened his maw and blew out an intense golden flame. In a matter of seconds, the poor guy was melted into a puddle of molten goo.

“EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU WILL BECOME JUST LIKE THAT GUY IF YOU DO NOT RETURN MY MANTLE TO ME!!” N roared. “I WILL MAKE LIKE HOT MERCURY BEING POURED INTO AN ANTHILL AND FORCE THIS VOLCANO TO ERUPT WITH ALL OF YOU TRAPPED INSIDE IT!!” His tail slammed against the ground.

Terrified screams slipped from workers’ mouths and they took further cover. The Monster Drone roared at them, falling into a near-blind rage. He fell onto all fours to chase after them, his throat glowing a bright, golden yellow.

Uzi stared at all of the erupting chaos. The air left her ventilation systems and her core pounded within her chest. She watched as her peers were crushed under scaled feet and sliced by golden claws.

“I CAN HELP YOU FIND IT!!” Uzi was shouting out without any thought.

She was suddenly crushed under the Kulve Taroth Drone’s chest. One of the jagged spikes just narrowly missed her head. The fact that it punctured so easily into the ground was a reminder of how easily she could die to this thing.

“‘Help me’?” N vented out something hot and burning. “Why should I have to go searching for my mantle when one of you stole it?” A rumbling growl made his chest plates shudder.

Uzi felt her entire body be racked by the shudder. “B-B-B-Because! Wouldn’t you want to see it with your own optics?! To know that it’s okay and not damaged?!” She answered.

The Kulve Taroth Drone’s goat-like eyes narrowed on her. A thinking hum made his chest plates rattle a little. Still, Uzi was shaken around by the sheer force set upon her and the size of the robot’s chest.

“Alright.” He finally spoke. “Me and you will team up to find my mantle. In return, I’ll spare you and your little ant nest.” His brows rose an inch.

Uzi let out a relieved vent. She only got half of it out when N leaned in even more, crushing her further under his weight.

“But only if we successfully find my shroud.” He snarled. “If we can’t find it, or we find that it has been destroyed, then all of you will die.” His tail waved again, batting some random bot away.

“O-Okay…!” Uzi wheezed out, voice laced with static.

N let out another growl. He lifted up and off the female Worker Drone, allowing her to vent again. Uzi coughed and recuperated on the floor. N turned back to her colony.

“Any and all gold you find will go directly to me.” He said.

“B-But–!” Someone wanted to argue.

N melted them down with another blast of golden flame. He whipped around to everyone else to see if they’d also argue. They recoiled and kept silent.

“I’ve been allowing you pests to mine within my volcano, to take everything that it’s had to offer. But now that you’ve scorned me, I’m putting a ‘tax’ on you.” He explained. “All gold belongs to me and me alone. Take all the metals and ores you want, but not a flake of gold is to be taken by your thieving hands.” His golden gaze narrowed on them.

“F-F-Fair enough, Mr. N! All gold will be stored in a room for you to collect after your search for your shroud!” Khan agreed with zero complaint.

N’s optics flicked to him. A snort made embers blow from his fangs.

“Good.”

N turned back to Uzi, just stumbling to her feet. He swiped her off the ground and began delving deeper into the tunnel again. His steps echoed and faded as his golden and grey figure disappeared within the darkness of the cave.

For some time, the colony of Outpost 3 just stared after the giant creature. A few drones fell onto their asses in fear, the adrenaline wearing off. Others were finally able to cry from the terror.

Khan wasn’t sure what to do. His daughter was certainly the only one who could help with this—she stole the shroud without checking if it belonged to someone in the first place!

‘I guess this is her “divine retribution” for that, huh?’ Khan’s posture sagged as he sighed.

“So… What do we do now?” Someone asked.

Khan took a minute to think. “...We return to our normal workings.” He said.

“But what about-?” Another wanted to ask.

“We can’t do anything.” Khan interrupted. “Uzi stole that mantle on a whim and now she’s paying the price. She ignored all of my warnings and got herself into this mess. She was foolish enough to keep going back to those deeper tunnels, and now she’s–!!” He began to rant.

Khan realized what he was doing. He opened his optics, staring at his colonymates. He reset his voice box behind a fist, cooling himself.

“We can’t do anything, basically.” He said. “A-And maybe if we find lots of gold, we’ll be spared even if Uzi doesn’t get that shroud back. It’s our only chance at survival.” He added.

‘Though, even I doubt it’s going to work.’ He gave a worried glance to the tunnel his daughter and that monster disappeared down. ‘Uzi… Don’t get us all killed, please.’

Somehow, Khan didn’t have high hopes for her.

Chapter Text

The walk through the warm caverns was silent aside from the two’s footsteps. Mostly N’s as he was so huge. The damn steps made the cavern subtly rumble each time his clawed foot set down.

Uzi didn’t look at the far larger robot. Her sweat drop didn’t want to go away, either. Uzi wasn’t even sure she could make it go away even if she wanted to. Not to mention it was also there from how hot it is in the deeper mines.

“Do you have an idea where my shroud has been taken?” The voice of the Kulve Taroth Drone startled her and made her jump.

Uzi reset her voice box behind her fist, “A-A little, but I can’t be completely sure.” She answered. “If I had to guess, it may just be outside! Worker Drones love their gold, after all! Especially all the old guys who have the money to buy and sell the stuff!” She laughed nervously.

N turned his yellow gaze her way. Uzi wanted to shrivel at the look. Instead, sweat drops began to rain down on her display. A hot snuff blew from N’s vents.

“And do you know who might’ve taken my shroud?” He inquired further.

“Of course! It’d be hard to track it down otherwise, no?” Uzi smirked nervously.

N just snorted. “Then let’s head to the outside. Hopefully we’ll be able to find whoever stole my shroud out there.” He agreed, turning down a corridor.

“Uh– Yep. Hopefully.” Uzi nodded as she followed him.

Silence fell back onto the two as they made their way towards the nearest exit. Uzi hoped and prayed that the man she sold the shroud to would be willing to give it back to her.

‘Unfortunately, that most likely means I’ll also need to give up my brand-new meds, too.’ A disappointed sigh almost escaped her lips at the thought.

The outside was as cold as ever. The warmth of the cave turned into a frosty chill the closer to the surface they got. And the colder it got, the chillier N became.

“It’d be faster to find a car or something to get to the guy. Unless you can run real fast through snow?” Uzi turned to the larger drone.

Though, she wasn’t expecting to see him hugging himself for warmth. N pulled his tarp tighter around his frame. It did little to keep out the cold and stop his plating from rattling.

“Are you… Alright?” Uzi’s brow quirked.

“No, I’m not alright.” N snarled back with a flick of his tail tip. “My golden shroud helped to keep me warm, especially whenever I come out here. Without it, I’m freezing.” Hot puffs of air left with each word.

“Ah. I-I see…” Uzi could only nod and rub her neck. “Th-Then why don’t I go out alone to find the guy–” She was about to finish.

“Absolutely not!” But N shot her down. “I can’t risk having you running away! We’re sticking together even if I freeze over!” Some embers flew from his mouth.

“You are threatening me and my colony! Why would I ever try and run off?! Or-r betray you?!” Uzi argued.

“Even Worker Drones can abandon their packs and herds if it means it’ll ensure their survival.” N retorted coldly.

Uzi blinked back at the Kulve Taroth Drone. She couldn’t argue with that.

‘It wasn’t that long ago that I was going to leave them, wasn’t it?’

Uzi shook her head—she had no time for such stupid questions. She turned back to the ashen-snowy lands before her. With a glimpse towards the Kulve Taroth Drone, she let out a sigh.

“Well, I doubt you’ll get too far with that tarp of yours.” She commented. “You’re gonna need something else to keep warm.”

“And what do you suggest I do? Skinning some fuzzy Wyvern Drone alive will take too long.” He asked as he pulled the tarp tauter.

Uzi winced at the mental image but continued the conversation. “Uhh… What about a blanket?” Uzi shrugged.

N’s gaze on her narrowed. “Do you really think there’s a blanket big enough for me out there?” His tail flicked again.

“I mean– You aren’t gonna know until you find out, right?” Uzi grinned anxiously. “We could also gather some blankets and stitch them together–!” She suggested.

“We’re wasting time.” N snipped and cut her short. “We’ll just head out and be quick. I can handle the cold for some time. It’s not like I’m entirely useless without warmth.” His tail tip swayed.

“That’s– Okay.” Uzi sighed in defeat. “But I’ll take a bit to get there. The man’s on the other side of town.” She pointed towards a hill in the distance.

“Then I’ll just have to run fast.” N replied as he got down onto all fours.

“You– What?” Uzi turned to him.

N’s tail bopped her into the air. She shrieked before landing on his back. N didn’t wait for her to grab on before dashing into the snow. Uzi yelped at the backward lurch, hastily grabbing onto the tarp’s edge for dear life.

Snow and ash flew into the air as the Wyvern Drone blitzed through it. The fierce winds made Uzi’s hair whip about. She stayed low against his back as N skid in a turn and ran onto the roads.

“Tell me where I need to go.” N called over the stomping he created.

Uzi peeked an optic open. “Go left!” She told him.

N dragged his golden claws through the snowy roads and made a swift turn. He leapt over a car and landed back onto the ground with a loud thump. Any other drones nearby quickly dove out of the rampaging wyvern’s way. Some were still crushed underfoot as he ran.

“Keep going straight! At the next intersection, go right!” Uzi said.

N did as told. Some cars were crushed under his body as he trampled through the snow. Other Worker Drones screamed and they tried to get out of his way. N snorted out a few embers as he ignited his Flame Sac to keep warm.

“This left! Take this left!” Uzi pointed.

Again, N made a sudden skid and turned. His dash picked back up with the hill just in sight. Uzi climbed up his shoulders and grasped onto his platinum locks. She used her fedora to keep some of the snow and winds from her face.

N only began to slow down when the mansion came into view. He huffed as he stopped in front of the mansion, staring at it and furrowing his brows. He set Uzi back onto the ground as he got onto his hindlegs.

“Are you sure this is the place?” He questioned.

“Yeah. I recognize it.” Uzi nodded back. “Let me try and talk to him first. If it doesn’t work–...” The woman trailed off.

N was given a once-over. “Y-You’ll be Plan B, I guess.” Uzi opted to shrug.

Uzi trotted off before the Wyvern Drone could reply. N crossed his arms as he waited, his tail tucking against his legs.

‘Not even the sun is good at keeping me warm…’ He felt his lips form a grumble but never spoke.

The front door to the rich man’s house opened up. Uzi was greeted with a butler. With a nervous smile and chuckle, she greeted the butler.

“H-Heyyy!! I, uh, my name’s Uzi Doorman and I really need to see the owner of this nice house here! Think I could see him…?” She rocked on her dress shoes.

“Let me see if he’s available.” The butler replied.

The door closed and Uzi was left on her own. She turned to glance worriedly at N. He didn’t look any happier than when they’d left the caves. The door opened again, making Uzi spin back around.

“Uzi Doorman! I’m glad to see you again!” The rich man spoke eagerly, taking her hand to shake.

“Y-Yes, it is! I have a question for you–” Uzi shook his hand back.

“Are you enjoying all the new funds you’ve gotten? I can tell you’ve already spent some of them, if that nice suit has anything to say, hohoho!” The man went on, totally ignoring her.

“Yes, I am, but I have something really important to talk about–” Uzi again tried to get a word in.

“I really have to thank you, little Miss! That find was golden! Pun intended!” The man laughed further.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s great, now can I–”

“I only wish I were as lucky as you! Maybe I should take a look at the caverns your father is mining in–!”

“SIR!! CAN I PLEASE HAVE A MINUTE TO TALK!?!” Uzi suddenly bellowed at the top of her voice box.

The older worker was stunned into silence. “...Y-Yes, you can. You just had to say so…” He nodded.

“I tried–!!” Uzi ground out. But she swallowed her anger and took a deep vent. “That golden mantle. Do you still have it? Because I really need it back. And I’ll return the meds!” She pleaded.

“Ah, I’m deeply sorry, Miss, but I don’t have the mantle anymore.” The man shook his head.

Uzi’s brows had risen to the white of her head under her hair. She blinked at him in her solid minute of silence.

“Hm?” She managed to hum.

“I had sold it off to a kind mistress just the other day!” He explained. “Such a kind lady, and good-looking, too!” He nudged Uzi’s side.

But she just stared blankly at him, her smile dead on her face plates. She spun on her heel and walked down the steps. The man blinked at her and she left. He then spotted the massive Wyvern Drone next to her.

The rich man didn’t get to even step back inside his house before the wyvern was storming towards him. The man was grabbed from the doorway, N’s fist smashing through it. Bringing the old fart to the floor again, N roared in the man’s face.

“WHERE THE ABYSS DID YOU SELL IT OFF TO!? WHERE THE ABYSS IS THAT WOMAN!?!” Fire and embers flared from the recesses of his throat.

“SH– SHE’S NEAR THE MOUNTAINS!! IN A BIG MANSION LIKE MINE!!” The old robot replied. “B-But there’s no telling if she still has it! It could still be in circulation right now! It might not even be there by the time you arrive!” He went on in terror.

N made an animalistic snarl as he stared at the man with his goat-like eyes. He swiped him away into his home, letting him crash somewhere deeper inside. N nabbed Uzi from the ground as began to stomp off.

“Wher-re are we going?!” Uzi asked, grasping onto his fingers.

“To the mountain! We’re going to interrogate that damn woman!” He retorted.

“But the old fart said the mantle might not be there!” Uzi argued as her brows furrowed.

“But I still have to try!” N yelled back.

“And what’ll happen if you fail?!” The Worker Drone inquired.

“Then I try again!” N lifted her up to his face plates. “And I’ll keep trying! Over and over again until I do find my shroud!” His tail thumped into the snow, making flakes fly.

Uzi stared up at the Wyvern Drone’s intense gaze. She panted, taking in the smoky air of his ex-vents and embers.

“We couldn’t find it here. And the old man said the woman he sold it to might not have it–” She said again.

“I don’t care.” N snarled back. “If there’s a chance, then I’m going to take it.” His lips furled further.

“And you’re going to come with me, and you’re going to take that chance, too.” He pointed at her. “Otherwise, your colony will be nothing more than ants stuck in a mercury-filled nest, you along with them.” His tail flicked again.

N lowered his arm and resumed stomping. A gust blew past them and N pulled his tarp tighter around his body. Uzi stared at him with hollowed eye lights. She didn’t know what to say.

All she could do was go along with the Wyvern Drone and hope they found his shroud soon. But even then, she had a question beginning to form within her CPU.

‘Why… Why does he care about that stupid mantle so much…?’ Her brows knitted together at the inquiry.

The two came up to the woman’s house. Uzi fixed her suit as she skipped up the steps. With a glance sent N’s way, she let out a sigh and rang the doorbell. It took a moment for a woman to answer it.

“Hi! I’m Uzi Doorman! Are you Ms. Lillia?” She inquired with her best grin, trying to hide her nerves.

“I am.” Lillia nodded. “What business might you have, young lady?”

“You see, I’m the original finder and owner of a certain giant golden shroud. I was told that you had bought it from an old far– I mean a kind Mister. You don’t still happen to have that shroud, do you?” Uzi explained her situation, hoping to Robo-God the woman still had it.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but I don’t.” The woman shook her head. “I gifted it to a good friend of mine.”

“M-May I know where that friend is, by any chance?” Uzi asked as her grin turned more and more anxious.

“Young lady, may I know just why you’re looking for that shroud you sold?” The woman’s brows knitted together as her hands set onto her hips.

“Well, you see, that shroud I found, it, uhm–” Uzi giggled nervously. “I-I just really need it back! And I’m more than happy to return all the meds I had sold it for–!” She said.

“The thing is already off your hands. If you didn’t want to sell it, you should’ve kept it in the first place!” The woman huffed.

“I never said I didn’t want to sell it!” Uzi scoffed back. “But I’ve got a problem and I need the damn shroud to fix my problem! So tell me where your damn friend is so I can get this problem solved already!” She spoke quickly, running out of air.

“Sorry, but I’m not giving the address of my friend to a stranger who couldn’t even fix her own troubles!” Lillia retorted. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some of my own business to attend to!” She slammed the door closed.

“NO, NO, NO–!! Don’t close the door!” Uzi reached for the said thing.

But it slammed before she could catch it. Luckily, Uzi didn’t get her fingers snipped off. But unluckily, the woman was of no help at all. Uzi let out a sigh and turned towards N. She went down the steps and walked up to him, preparing herself for another tongue lashing.

“She gave it to a friend. Won’t tell me where she lives.” Uzi explained quietly.

N’s golden gaze flicked up to the house. He walked towards it, golden flames crawling up his throat. Uzi kept her back facing the house as N broke inside and roared for the whereabouts of his shroud.

‘Damnit. I should’ve just listened to dad…’ Uzi sighed as high golden flames made her cast a long shadow on the snow.

Chapter Text

The trek back to the caverns was silent. Uzi gave worried glances to the Kulve Taroth Drone beside her. He didn’t spare her a glance, too busy glaring into space. Uzi let out a sigh and rubbed her neck as a sweat drop blinked onto her visor.

“So…” She spoke up, catching N’s attention. “What’re we gonna do now?” She doesn’t expect to like his answer.

N stayed quiet for a few moments. His burnt tarp dragged along the floor, damaged from his own golden flames. A swift sigh blew from his vents along with some yellow embers.

“Keep searching, I suppose.” He finally spoke back.

Uzi’s hand on her neck tightened. ‘Thought he was gonna go straight to killing my colony.’

“Where should we search? No matter where we look, that damn shroud keeps moving!” She huffed in annoyance.

“We’ll search the caves. Maybe someone took it here.” The Wyvern Drone answered.

“What? To melt it down in the natural lava?” Uzi snorted.

“Possibly.” N replied, his fists balling up.

Uzi blinked at him. Her arm fell back to her side as her optics turned away. More silence stretched over them. Their footsteps echoed in the cave, trying to fill it. All it did was make it awkward.

“What happens if we don’t find your mantle at all?” Uzi inquired next, already knowing the answer.

“Then I trap you and your colony in your little mine and fill it with molten lava.” N answered. “Were you not listening the first time?” His sharp gaze flicked over to her.

“No! No, I did.” Uzi raised her hands in mock surrender. “I kinda had to, when you started killing everybody.”

N gave her a short glare before snorting and turning away.

The two entered a larger room in the cavern, quiet but warm. N let out a shuddery vent of relief, letting the heat soak into his plating. Uzi gave him another glance, growing a tad bit curious.

“You know, I’ve always wondered how Monster Drones like you can survive in these caves for so long.” She began, making N turn back to her. “Even us Worker Drones can only stand the heat for so long.” Her sights turned to hot rocks and the subtle orange glow of the room.

“The wyverns who typically like living in volcanoes, such as myself, work off heat energy.” N told her, moving to sit down on a rock. “Instead of oil, we just have the usual other fluids coursing through our tubes—coolant, antifreeze, even water.” His tail swayed.

“No wonder you can just hang out around here for so long.” Uzi huffed a light laugh. “I admit that I’m a bit jealous. It’d be nice to travel the caverns longer if I worked off heat energy instead of combustible oil.” She sat on the floor next to him.

N’s golden optics turned to stare at her. He just as quickly turned them away a few seconds later.

“Well, at least the oil makes sure you aren’t freezing every time you go outside.” The Kulve Taroth Drone argued.

Uzi shrugged. “At least you can handle the heat for an extended period of time.”

The two chuckled. It was quick and died off not long after. Silence fell back on the two, making the atmosphere awkward again. Uzi fixed her tie in an attempt to distract herself from it. N gave her another glance. He stood up, catching her attention once more.

“We should continue our search. My mantle can’t have gone far, even if it’s been on the move so much.” He said, turning for the tunnel leading deeper inside.

Uzi let out a sigh and got up to follow. Their footsteps echoed and rumbled as they searched the tunnels. Uzi’s gaze kept getting stuck on glimmering gems and sparkling ores.

‘Man, if only I drove off before all this shit happened…’ She thought. ‘But, if I did, then my colony would’ve died. Ugh, this sucks…!’ She hung her head and pressed a palm to her forehead.

“Something the matter?” N inquired, noticing her movements.

Uzi shook her head. “Uh– No, not really.” Her hand fell. “I was just thinking, is all. Nothing you need to worry about.” She added.

“Perhaps I should worry about it. You might go running off with my shroud as soon as my back is turned.” N puffed back, though his tone wasn’t very threatening.

Uzi couldn’t help but have sweat drops rain down her display. ‘Well, that’s exactly what happened to get me into this situation in the first place, so…’

The woman shook her head and picked up the pace. The two searched each room they came across. N even spotted a Lavasioth Drone, quickly bolting over and yanking it from a lava pool it was lounging in.

It was slammed onto the ground with a loud bang. Uzi flinched and turned back with hollowed eye lights.

“YOU! Have you seen a giant golden mantle?!” N asked through a snarl.

“N-No–!” The Lavasioth Drone rasped out, his throat stuck within N’s hand.

It was slammed onto the ground again, making it cry out in pain. “Bombadgy shit!” N hollered. “You’ve had to at least seen some Worker Drones coming through here! Did they talk about it?!” He questioned further, tightening his grip.

“No! No, they didn’t! They just talked about ores and stuff, I swear!!” The poor fish-like robot strangled back, clawing at N’s wrist.

N growled, his golden claws digging into the drone’s neck. He huffed and tossed it back into the lava, making Uzi jump away from splattering specks. A couple managed to catch onto N’s tarp, making it ignite into a small fire.

“Let’s go, worker. There’s gotta be some sorta lead in here, if not outside.” N called, already heading for the tunnel on the other side of the room.

“Uh, N?” Uzi called. “Your– Your tarp–” She pointed.

“I know it’s damaged! But so long as it covers my back, it’s fine!” N said back, not sparing her a glance.

“Well– Yeah, but it’s kinda–” Uzi tried to say again.

“Enough! We need to keep moving before my shroud disappears on me forever!” N snarled back at her.

“Well, if you want your damn shroud so much, and you want your damn back to be covered so much, maybe you should put out the fucking fire on your tarp!!” Uzi yelled back, her eye lights going void.

N rose a golden brow. He turned down to his said tarp, finally spotting the large fire slowly consuming it. He roared with a jump and hollowing eye lights, hurrying to stomp on his tarp to put out the flames. But it continued to climb towards his back, the heat only soaked up by his golden accents and plating.

The tarp was ripped off as the flames consumed it. N stepped back to watch it disintegrate into ash. He and Uzi stayed silent, as did the spooked Lavasioth.

“Well, there goes your cape–” Uzi went to say.

N suddenly shrieked, startling her hard along with the lava fish robot. He scrambled towards the nearest wall, slamming his back against it. He wrapped his arms around his torso, trying to cover any parts of his back from view.

“DON’T LOOK!! Turn away! Stop staring!” N shrieked, his tail motioning for them to turn.

Uzi was stunned in place for a few seconds. The Lavasioth didn’t stick around long—hopping from his lava pool and scampering deeper into the volcano caverns.

“Turn away, damnit! It’s rude to stare!” N hollered again, golden embers flying past the tips of his spiraling golden horns.

Uzi startled back to reality. Though, she wasn’t so sure what the sudden change in attitude was. Or why the big and mighty Kulve Taroth Drone was cowering against the wall.

“I– Why?” Uzi questioned instead of doing what was told.

“Stop asking questions and turn away!” But N wasn’t having any of it. “In fact, go and get me another tarp! A fire-resistant one! Or flame proof! That’s even better!” His tail thumped against the ground in urgency.

Again, Uzi just stared at him—more confused this time. She sighed and rubbed her visor.

“I thought you wanted to search for your mantle?” She asked.

“I do! But I need something for my back first!” N argued. “Go find me another tarp! Or just– Anything!” He shooed her off with a hand.

Uzi let her own hand fall to stare back up at him. N glared defiantly back at her. Uzi swore there was a slight pout on his face plates, like the one a spoiled rich girl would make.

‘Well, considering he literally covers his body in gold, it wouldn’t surprise me if he tends to act like that.’ Uzi mused to herself.

“Why can’t you just pick something up on the way? You were so insistent that we get moving just a few minutes ago! Wouldn’t that make this search faster?” Uzi began stepping forward, her hands placed onto her hips.

N freaked out even more at her approach. “STAY BACK!! Don’t come any closer, you damn worker!” His tail swung out in a swipe.

Uzi skipped back a few paces to avoid being smacked into some lava. She turned back up to the Kulve Taroth Drone. Her expression fell into something more peeved and she began stomping over.

Another fearful roar erupted from N’s maw. He turned to run off, but was stopped short on account of a rock being in his way. N tripped right over it and smacked his face into the floor. Uzi flinched at the loud thud it created.

But N popped back up. He whipped around to stare at Uzi over his shoulder. He hunched over and crossed his arms over his chest, his claws trying to hide his shoulders.

“Just go find something to cover me back up! That’s all I’m asking!” He told her with a shake of his head.

Uzi’s brows knitted together in confusion. “Tell me why, first.” She demanded.

“No!” N refused with another quick shake of his head. “Just find a tarp or a blanket or anything! I don’t care!” He ordered once more.

“Tell me why the hell you refuse to get it yourself!” Uzi hollered right back at him. “In fact, tell me why the hell you’re so intent on finding that damn mantle! It isn’t like you can’t create another!” Uzi threw her arm out.

“It isn’t like you can’t find more gold! It isn’t like you can’t steal it from my colony to make another shroud!” She stomped forward slowly, face contorted in fed-up rage. “I know damn well there’s more than enough resources—inside this cave and out! So why the hell are you cowering after all your capes are gone–?!”

“BECAUSE IT’S UGLY!!” N roared back.

The cave rumbled for a second before falling silent. N whipped his head around to stare at Uzi again. Her eye rings went wide at seeing the prickling tears in his optics and the defensive twitch to his furrowed brows.

“My back is ugly! I can’t let others see it! I can’t let them know about it!” He went on. “And my mother–! She gave me the first pieces of gold to create my own mantle! She made that first plate that I’ve used since I was a hatchling!” A tear scrolled down his visor as his frame began to shake.

“I–... I can’t lose my mantle. I-I can’t let others see my back.” N let out a scared huff. “And…” He turned his head away after the trail.

N hunched into himself again. His claws dug into his back, small golden scales rising from his shoulders and neck. The soft metal was etched into with the scratching of his claws.

“And I don’t wanna forget my momma…” His tail curled against his legs as his voice softened into a whisper.

Uzi blinked at the Wyvern Drone with eye rings. She was effectively stunned at the outburst and the display of remorse. It wasn’t quite the reaction she’d thought she’d get.

“Kulve Taroth Drones,” N spoke up again, stirring the woman from her thoughts. “Our backs aren’t very flattering. So we cover them in gold and keep them covered with a big golden mantle.” He explained.

“Those mantles also keep us protected, despite their heavy weight. And– And without it, we’re prone to the cold. Hence why we also always live in volcanoes.” He said, a sad sigh brushing past his lips. “So I can’t lose my mantle.”

“I just can’t.”

The room fell silent once more. Uzi just stared at the other robot, still curling into himself in an attempt to hide himself away. Her lavender gaze fell onto his back—onto all the ridges filled with gold and all the glimmering scales creating a mound on his back. She swears she can even see a few scars littering it.

“I don’t– Think your back is ugly.” She finally spoke up, her voice far softer than before. “It looks perfectly fine. Like any other Monster Drone’s back.” She shrugged.

The laugh N huffed out was flat. “Your flattery isn’t going to work on me, little worker.”

“I’m not trying to flatter you.” Uzi crossed her arms while her brows furrowed. “I’m just stating a fact. It’s not as bad as you think it is.”

N’s tail waved. “You’re just trying to prevent me from killing your colony. But I’m still intent on doing so if we can’t find my mantle.” He replied.

“Well– Okay, yes, a bit.” Uzi admitted with a rock of her head. “But at the same time; No, not really.”

She walked over to the Kulve Taroth Drone. He flinched and scooted away from her. Uzi rolled her optics and hopped onto his tail, making sure he couldn’t get too far even if he did still try.

“Contrary to your popular belief, your back isn’t ‘ugly’ or ‘gross’ or whatever else you wanna call it.” Uzi pointed at the taller robot. “I think it looks pretty cool, actually.” Her chest puffed with her hands setting onto her hips.

N’s expression became somewhat unamused but ever-so-slightly intrigued. “Yeah, right. You actually have a decent back to show off and not be worried about.”

“It’s not any different than any other Worker Drone’s back.” Uzi shrugged again. “And I’m sure yours isn’t any different than any other Kulve Taroth Drone’s back, either.”

“Of course it isn’t. We all wear those golden mantles for a reason.” N scoffed back, his brows furrowing.

“Well then, why are you so worried about others seeing your back? It’s just a common trait among you guys.” Uzi inquired.

“Because! I told you that it’s just something unflattering to look at! The gold helps keep us covered and prettier! Not to mention warm!” He answered.

“Well, even without the shroud, I think you look pretty.” Uzi blurted without even thinking.

N’s visor went all golden in his fluster. He turned his head away as his tail began to wag. Uzi was knocked right off, falling near his foot with a grunt. Before she could get back to her feet, N was carefully picking her up.

“You– You don’t really mean that.” He spoke again. “You’re just trying to flatter me again! And it won’t work!” He crossed his arms and turned away.

Uzi rolled her optics again. “Oh, come on! Who else can I verifiably say covers themself in pure gold and looks good while doing it?” She questioned.

N made a flustered flinch. He peeked an optic open at her.

“Yeah. Exactly.” Uzi’s expression fell flat. “Besides, I’m sure there are worse backs out there, whether they belong to a Monster or Worker Drone. Yours is the prettiest I’ve seen, I can tell you that for sure, especially with all the gold on it.” She jabbed a pointing finger into his leg.

N’s flush intensified. His tail thumped harder against the ground.

“Your– Your flattery is impressive, I’ll give you that.” N admitted as he felt his visor burn. “But I won’t be fooled by it!”

Uzi groaned as she rolled her entire head. Getting fed-up with this dumb back-and-fourth, she started taking off her blazer. N’s attention was caught once again. He watched as the Worker Drone took off her shirt and turned around.

“Look. My back. Not any prettier than yours.” She huffed in mild annoyance. “No gold, no diamonds, no shiny iron, no nothing! Just a normal, plain, run-of-the-mill back. Just like any other Worker Drone’s.”

N gazed at her back for a few moments. He slowly brought down a hand and ran the back of a finger over Uzi’s white metal and black rubber. He could feel the slight weathering both held—accumulated over years of hard work and manual labor.

“By comparison, your back is far prettier than mine. And it always will be with how much gold is plastered on there.” Uzi went on. “So just man-up and get your ass back in gear! Otherwise, we really won’t find your mantle again!” She puffed as her arms crossed again.

“...Yeah…” N nodded slowly. “You– You’re right, Uzi. Your back is pretty plain, huh?” He chuckled.

“I keep telling you that!” The woman exclaimed back.

N’s flushed optics turned to the ground as his hand pulled away. Uzi picked up her clothes and began putting them back on.

“Your flattery is too powerful of a trick, little Worker Drone.” N commented.

“Not flattery. Just facts.” Uzi countered, fixing her buttons.

N chuckled. “If you say so.” He laughed. “But… Thank you.” He added.

“Mhm. Whatever.” Uzi brushed him off, tying her blazer around her waist. “Let’s just go find your shroud before you decide to kill me and my colony. Maybe we can find some tunnels to another mine and ask the bots there if they’ve seen it.” She began walking off.

She didn’t get too far before she was gently picked up by the taller drone. Uzi hugged his horn as she was set onto his shoulder.

“Here. It’ll be faster this way.” N smiled at her, his tail still wagging.

“Yeah, probably.” Uzi sighed back. “But let’s get going already! Who knows how far off your shroud’s been taken by now!” She urged with a light kick of her heel.

“Alright, alright! I’m going!” N laughed more heartily, beginning to walk off.

Even still, his golden blush lines had yet to fully disperse.

Chapter Text

“A giant, golden shroud, huh?” A rugged-looking Worker Drone held a hand to his chin in thought. “Yeah, I’ve heard of it. Dunno if it’s anywhere around here, though.” He shrugged.

“Do you have an idea where it might be?” N inquired, his hands set onto his hips.

“Well, if you can’t find where it got sold off to, I’m afraid to say that you won’t find it again. So– No.” He replied.

N let out a tired and frustrated sigh, his expression falling. Uzi tried to think of something else to ask the man.

“Do you think it might’ve been taken to someplace to melt it down?” She asked.

“Hell if I know.” The man shrugged. “But I need to get back to my job before my boss gets on my ass about it.” His thump pointed to the caverns.

“Right. Good luck…” Uzi nodded back.

“Good luck to you, too!” The man gave them a wave as he walked off.

Uzi sighed and crossed her arms. “Maybe we should go and interrogate his boss.” She suggested.

However, she didn’t get a response. Uzi looked over to N’s face plates, noting the defeated look on them. Guilt struck Uzi right in the core, almost making her squirm uncomfortably. She held the motion back and patted his spiraling golden horn.

“Come on, don’t give up just yet.” She began. “I’m sure we can still find it! We just need the right lead!” She grinned.

N didn’t look at her. “Yeah. Sure.” His voice was small.

Uzi’s grin fell. She turned to look around the room. The other Worker Drones were yawning and packing up for the night. A sweat drop blinked onto Uzi’s visor as she turned back to her steed.

“Maybe we should call it a night? It’s super late, and I’m sure we’re both really tired by now.” She offered.

“Alright.” N nodded solemnly.

He turned and began walking back through the cave tunnels. The trek was quiet except for his rumbling steps. Uzi’s sights kept flicking around for any sort of lead. But there was nothing except raw ores and lava embers within these lonely stone tunnels.

Uzi glanced back over to N. He looked tired, judging by the exhaustion lines coming from his eye lights. But he also looked disheartened. The look only made Uzi feel all the guiltier for causing this whole fiasco.

Her sights then spun to his back. Scale ridges still filled in with gold, smaller “scales” of it attached to his back. Some scars and scratches and other natural weathering gave the smooth metal texture.

“I’ll drop you off at your colony.” N spoke up, making her stir. “We can try and look for my shroud tomorrow once we’ve rested.”

“If we can even find it, that is…” Uzi caught the murmur from under his vents.

The Worker Drone winced. She nodded quietly. Their trek continued in silence. Uzi couldn’t handle it, couldn’t bear this heavy weight on her chest or her shoulders. It was driving her insane and she had the strong urge to roll her whole head and groan. But she didn’t.

“You know, since we can’t find your mantle, maybe you should just make a new one?” She shrugged at her own suggestion.

N’s gaze turned sharp and goat-like. It took all of Uzi’s strength to not recoil from it.

“I just–! It was just a suggestion!” She rose her hands in mock surrender instead. “It’s just very clear that we haven’t gotten very far. And the leads we did get didn’t really go anywhere.” Her hands fell to her lap.

“To be honest, I–... I don’t think we’re going to find it.” Uzi’s own expression turned defeated yet still guilty.

N stared at her. He turned his golden sights back to the tunnel. It fell to the ground, his brows creasing.

“I can’t lose that mantle, Uzi.” He whispered.

“I know. I know.” She nodded back. “But what can we do? By the time we start searching again tomorrow, I doubt it’ll be anywhere near here.” The worker went on.

“And maybe…” A pause as she thought. “Maybe it’s time for a new mantle. Maybe it’s time to create it from scratch, no help needed.” She grinned reassuringly and hopeful at him.

N stared back at her with furrowed brows and words on the tip of his tongue. But he was hesitant to say anything. N turned away and gave it some thought.

“But where am I going to get all that gold from?” He questioned. “You little Worker Drones like to take it for yourselves, too, you know.” He gave the woman a pointed look.

Uzi flinched and felt sweat drops litter her display. But she reset her voice box behind her fist and nodded.

“W-Well, my colony said they’d gather gold just for you!” She said. “It might take some time, but I’m sure we could help you gather enough gold to make another mantle!”

N was quiet again, stuck in his thoughts. ‘Could they really find enough gold for that?’ His tail gave a wave as he continued down the halls. ‘I know they’re like ants, but that’s still a lot of gold…’

“Do you really think you could do it?” He questioned.

“Sure! We haven’t run this mining business for generations for nothing, you know!” Uzi smirked with pride. “Besides, I’m actually adventurous enough to go deeper into the tunnels! There’s tons of untapped ores and crystals and more to gather!” She laughed.

N felt a smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, so you’re the one that’s always buzzing around the deeper caverns?”

“No one else will!” Uzi retorted, setting her chin in her hands. “But hey! That just means I get a bigger and better cut of the meds once we sell everything!” She giggled.

“Is that so?” N chuckled with her. “Then maybe I need to keep one optic open when I go into Sleep Mode! Otherwise, you might just steal the rest of the gold on my frame!” He laughed as his tail wagged.

Uzi wasn’t as fond of the joke, knowing damn-well she stole the giant hunk of gold he wore in the first place. But she tried her best to laugh with him.

“Uh- Yep! You gotta watch your back!” She tried to play off.

Their laughter died down and some silence settled back between them. Thankfully for Uzi, it wasn’t too awkward for her for long. N came up on the entrance to her colony’s camp, everyone looking up at the subtle stomps.

“Hey, everyone. We’re back.” Uzi called from N’s shoulder with a small wave.

“Uzi!” Khan ran up to them. “Did you find the shroud?!” His eye lights were frantic and panicked.

His daughter rubbed her neck as she was set down. “Uh, well…” Khan knew right away what the answer was.

“Oh, Uzi…” He murmured in defeat.

“D-Don’t worry! I proposed a new compromise with the Kulve Taroth Drone!” Uzi was quick to speak up. “Just– How much gold do we have? Were you able to find any more while I was gone?” She asked.

“We have a small stash, but not much.” Khan shook his head. “We’ve been looking the entire time you’ve been gone, but haven’t found much, either.”

“That’s… Ah…” She had to pause to think it all over.

Uzi turned to glance at N. He was busy looking around with mild curiosity. A couple of her colonymates stared at him warily and fearfully.

“What kind of compromise did you propose to the Kulve Taroth Drone?” Her dad inquired, snapping her from her thoughts.

“Just– I suggested that he should make a new mantle.” She answered. “He seemed… Okay, with the idea. But he needs a lot of gold in order to make it.” Her hand rubbed at her neck again.

“Well, that’s certainly easier said than done.” Khan’s expression turned disapproving and mildly peeved.

“I know, I know! But it was the only thing I could think of to hopefully save us all.” She placated with her hands. “Maybe I can convince him to give us some time to gather all the gold. And maybe he’ll even help us out himself!” She shrugged with a worried expression but hopeful grin.

Khan just stared at her with furrowed brows. Sweat drops rained down Uzi’s display. Her dad let out a sigh with a pinch of his visor.

“Go and try.” He told her.

Uzi let out a vent. She turned on her heel and walked back up to N. His golden optics snapped right to her.

“We uh– We have some gold!” She began. “But we do need some time to gather more! I think the caves are a bit barren right now, so maybe if we move to somewhere less mined-out, we could find tons of gold!” She gave him a hopeful smile.

A hand sat onto N’s hip as his gaze narrowed on her. “And how long will this all take, exactly?”

“Uh–” Uzi hummed. “D-Depends on how much we find in one day I guess.” She shrugged.

N’s golden goat optical lights narrowed even more on her. Uzi felt her core pound in her chest and rattle the plates.

“I’d much prefer that I make my new shroud sooner rather than later.” He spoke.

“I know! I get it!” Uzi suddenly burst. “But all that gold isn’t going to appear out of nowhere! We have to go deeper into the mines to find more! And if you’d help us, we could quicken the process!!” She stepped forward, eye lights voided.

“Well, of course I’d help!” N scoffed with a sway of his tail.

“Then just give us the time!” Uzi begged.

“How much gold do you have first?” N inquired sternly.

Uzi couldn’t answer him. She turned to her dad. He stared back worriedly. With a motion of his hand, he beckoned them to follow. They went into a wide room where a small pile of gold lay.

“And are you still looking for more gold?” N inquired to Khan.

“Yes. We have been since you and Uzi went out to find your shroud.” He nodded back.

N made a hum. He stepped forward and fell to his hands and knees. He circled the small pile of gold, using his tail to sweep the nuggets closer together. As he did so, the limb knocked into a few carts full of crystals, ores, and gems.

“Hey! Watch your tail!” Uzi called, jogging over to pick up a cart. “Some of these gems are fragile!”

“Sorry!” N retorted.

Uzi rolled her optics and turned back to the gemstones. As she was putting them back into the cart, an idea slowly formed in her CPU. Uzi picked up a deep purple gem. It glimmered in the artificial light from the strings of bulbs above.

“It’s definitely a start to my new shroud.” N commented as he stared at the pile. “But I will certainly need way more.”

“Well, with your help, I’m sure we’d reach the amount you need in no time!” Khan chuckled nervously.

“Only if you’re willing to get your hands dirty, Ant.” N replied with a narrow glare.

Khan felt a static lump form in his voice box. “R-Right…” He opted to nod.

“Then we’ll start right when I awake tomorrow. For now, I’m going into Sleep Mode.” N said, getting himself comfy around the pile of gold. “If you’d get me a tarp to keep warm?” He glanced at the Worker Drone.

“Yes! Right!” Khan startled and ran out of the room.

As he did so, N’s gaze turned to Uzi. “Hey. What are you doing over here?” He inquired with a wave of his tail.

“Huh–? Oh, nothing.” Uzi shook her head, stirring from her thoughts. “I guess you’re sleeping here?” She asked back.

“Might as well, since I’m working with you guys to gather more gold.” The bigger robot replied.

“Then I guess you’ll be making this your own room for a while.” Uzi chuckled.

“Just until I make my new shroud.” N retorted with a playful grin.

“I’ll tell everyone to get used to your presence, then.” The worker retorted equally as playful. “But good night. I’m gonna hit the hay, too. I’m exhausted after all that running around.” She stretched her arms over her head.

“I’m sure you are, even though you didn’t do any of the running at all.” N laughed.

“Hey! I had to deal with bitchy, snobby rich bots! That’s exhausting in and of itself!” Uzi pointed.

“I’m sure it is.” N sighed back.

The two laughed. As it died down, Uzi stretched her back. Some joints from her spinal ridge shifted and groaned. Uzi let out a tired sigh and her hands fell back to her sides.

“Good night, N. I’ll see you in the morning.” The woman waved.

“Good night, Uzi.” N bade farewell, too. “And try not to oversleep.” He added cheekily.

Uzi clicked her tongue and smacked his back but grinned. N chuckled as she left. Khan came into the room to give him a tarp. N tucked himself under it and got his head comfy on the small pile of gold.

The room went dark and fell quiet as he closed his optics. Just as N was about to head into Sleep Mode, something small leaned against his side. N peeked an optic open, finding Uzi getting comfy against his waistband.

“May I help you?” N inquired with a risen brow.

“Just here to make sure you don’t cause trouble.” Uzi replied with a smirk. “And I figured I might even keep you warm.”

“Hah. Sure, ant.” N grinned back.

Uzi smacked his side again, making N laugh. But silence settled in the dark room again. Both drones closed their optics and got ready to fall into Sleep Mode.

“...I was the one who stole your shroud.” But Uzi had one last confession to make.

N was quiet for a few moments.

“I’m the one who’s always going deep into the mines to find more ores and gems. And on one trek, I found your shroud.” She went on, voice quiet. “I didn’t realize it already belonged to someone. If I did, I would’ve left it alone.”

“I’m sorry that I stole it and got it lost. I didn’t even think something like that could be so sentimental.” She curled tighter under her blanket. “So… If you’re gonna kill anyone, just kill me.” She finished softly.

N kept silent. Uzi waited for his verdict.

“Thank you for telling me.” He said first. “But… We’ll see what happens to you. It depends on whether or not you can get me a new mantle.”

Uzi didn’t quite know how to respond. “Then I have a lot of work ahead of me.”

“You certainly do, Gold Digger.” N mused with a smirk.

“Says the guy who’s covered in it.” Uzi retorted playfully.

“Says the woman who’s dug around and stolen it.” N countered.

The two made a quiet round of laughter. It died quickly, leaving them in silence. Finally, the two felt tired enough to keep quiet for the rest of the night, falling into Sleep Mode.

They both had quite a lot of work ahead of them.

Chapter Text

The process of finding gold was both tireless and long. For weeks Uzi and her whole colony explored the mines for gold and little else. And while N’s help made the process quicker, it didn’t make it any less exhausting.

But everyone pressed on and gathered more gold. It was slowly piled into the new treasure room—which N heavily guarded at night. And little by little, the pile grew into a mountain.

While collecting numerous amounts of gold, Uzi had her own plan in her CPU. During her excursions to find more valuable metal and expand the mountain, she collected various gemstones and crystals.

She made her own little secretive stash. It grew even slower than N’s mountain of gold, but it wasn’t like Uzi needed too much anyway.

‘As long as I have enough for this damn thing.’ She thought as she drove speedily through the caverns.

Uzi made a pit stop at the treasury. She dropped off her newly-filled cart of gold and scurried on over to her secret stash. More colorful gems were dumped into the pile. Uzi swiped some sweat drops from her visor, some dirt smearing onto her hair from her gloves.

Driving back out, Uzi went through the halls. Fellow colony members glanced at her as she passed—some neutral, others clearly still angry. Uzi didn’t blame them, but she hoped they’d chill out when she fixes everything.

Stopping at a large room set up for mining, Uzi hopped out of her cart. She jogged up to N, digging through the walls and tossing rocks about. The Worker Drones from the lady’s colony worked hard to clear them out of the way.

“Hey, N! How’s the mining going?!” Uzi called over the rumbling.

N stopped and backed out of his hole. He shook off dirt, pebbles, and dust. Uzi covered her visor, her hair getting even more filthy. Not that she cared with a job like this.

“It’s going alright. Not much to collect, however.” He answered her. “How have your expeditions been going?” His brow quirked up.

Uzi shrugged. “It’s going alright. The cave I’ve been staking out has a decent amount. I think it’s going dry, though.” She shifted her weight and set her hands on her hips.

N made a hum. “Well, you best find more gold. I still don’t have enough for my mantle.” He told her.

“Yeah, yeah. I know!” Uzi waved with a sigh. “We’re all working our asses off here. The least you could do is not be such a pushy prick about it.” Her brows furrowed.

“Then why don’t you not take things that aren’t yours?” N smiled back at her, mimicking her stance.

Uzi clicked her tongue and snapped her head away. N chuckled in triumphant amusement.

“Got nothing to say now, ant?” He grinned wider, smugger.

“Not unless you want me to curse you out.” Uzi retorted with a playful but peeved smirk.

“Hmph. Rude much?” N’s tail wagged as his arms crossed.

“You’re just now finding that out?” Uzi crossed her arms right back.

That made the Kulve Taroth Drove laugh. As his wagging tail thumped against the floor, the workers near them scattered. Luckily for them, it was quick to simmer down.

“Well, I think we should get back to work. There’s still a lot of gold to collect.” N spoke.

“Yeah, you don’t have to tell me twice.” Uzi sighed back. “Welp, see you later, I guess. Don’t skip any meals.” She waved as she turned.

“I could say the same to you!” N called back.

Going their separate ways, the two got back to work.

The night was late as Uzi drove around the surface. Attached to her trolley was a large wagon, filled to the brim with various golden items. Vases, chalices, jewelry, frames, wires, and more hopped as Uzi drove over lumps in the snow.

She rubbed her visor and yawned, her voice box making a few static pops. Uzi grabbed her oil coffee and took a sip. It barely woke her up, much to her chagrin.

But Uzi was able to make it back to her colony’s cave. She slowed down to drive as quietly as she could towards the treasury. And right beside its entrance, she parked and detached the wagon.

Uzi hauled it inside with some struggle. Carefully, she emptied it one item at a time. With each golden item being added to the mountain of gold, she hoped it’d shave off more time in the collection process.

‘Being able to find the original mantle would be nice.’ She thought for a second. ‘Maybe N would take this as a peace offering if I am able to find it.’ The last few items were set down.

Uzi buried them under the gold nuggets and ores. Brushing off the dust from her knees, she vented out a sigh. A hand rubbed at her neck. She could hear her joints groan from lack of lubricant.

“Welp. That’s about as much of my new meds that I can spare without becoming more poor than dirt.” She muttered to herself. “Looks like I’m gonna be stuck in these mines for a long while more.” Her purple optics closed.

Uzi stood in the silent room. N was in Sleep Mode and peaceful. Opening her optics, Uzi gave him a glance. The expression he held was neutral as he slept. A few embers flew from his vents as he made a snuff in his sleep.

“Hmph. Look at Midas over there looking like Sleeping Beauty.” Uzi huffed with a grin. “I’m busting my ass off here and he’s snoozing away like a sloth.” A hand covered her visor.

Uzi kept quiet for a few seconds. She let out another vent and let her arm fall. She turned to leave the room and head back out onto the surface.

“Maybe if I dip into my savings a bit, I can get some big pieces of gold.” She murmured to herself.

As her echoing steps faded out, N’s Sleep Mode notification disappeared. He opened an optic and stared at where the Worker Drone once was. N lifted up and turned to his pile of gold.

He began to gingerly dig through it, letting nuggets and ores slip between his fingers and golden claws. Digging deep enough granted him the sight of the golden objects Uzi’d been buying over time.

N lifted up a necklace carefully between his shimmering claws. He stared at the gold chains and the deep purple gems lining it.

‘These are amethysts.’ He noted. ‘The color is similar to her hair…’ His tail waved.

N glanced at where Uzi had left—the entrance to his treasury. His golden sights turned back to the necklace. His brows made a slight crease and he brought the necklace close to his chest. He couldn’t help the blush lines as they faded onto his visor, nor the charmed wagging of his tail.

“Are you really… Going so far? Just for me?” He questioned quietly.

N didn’t get an answer. He only flushed harder at the thought that Uzi’s hair reminded him of the gemstones.

Khan, Uzi, and the rest of their colony watched as N circled the large mountain of gold. His narrowed gaze inspected each and every piece. He ran his fingers through the surface to get a good feel. He sniffed it in various places.

“Will it be enough?” Khan finally asked.

N made a hum before breaking out into a grin. “It sure will.”

The whole colony broke out in cheers and hugs and even tears of joy. Uzi rolled her optics but felt just as relieved herself.

“Let’s start the melting process.” N suddenly spoke. “Let’s start transporting this! I want my new mantle as soon as possible!” He held his head high as he grinned.

Everyone perked back up and got right to work. Large carts, wagons, and even some trucks were packed with the gold and taken down near the lava. The room where the magic was going to happen was already ready for use.

The gold was dumped into various large pots. Using the lava and some blast furnaces—courtesy of Khan and Uzi’s genius and engineering skills—the metal was slowly turned into a goop.

As the first pot was fully melted, the mould for the new mantle was prepared. The chains rattled and metal groaned as the pot was moved over his back. N stood near to watch his new mantle be created.

“Are you ready?!” Khan called loudly from above.

“I’ve been ready!” N laughed as his tail wagged.

Khan nodded and motioned the OK. His colonymates turned some cranks and the pot began to tilt. The gold fell into the huge mould, making N shiver gleefully at the warmth. His tail began to wag as he got more excited the more the mould filled up.

The glow of the mould increased as the gold filled the socket up. Once it reached the top, it was left to cool. The pots were exchanged for large fans. Some Worker Drones hauled a cage over.

A Legiana Drone shrieked loudly from within the cage. It tried to freeze the workers carrying it around, but the muzzle prevented that. However, it’d stop when its cage door suddenly opened.

It tried to bite the hand that came near it. Except N choked it before it could nip him, strangling the poor thing. He brought it over to the golden mantle with a large, excited grin on his face plates.

“You’re gonna do me a smaaaall favor, okay?” N told the Legiana Drone.

She only stared back at him for a second. Fearfully, she nodded. N’s tail wagged harder. He pointed her towards the hot mould.

“Blow some cold air onto that, will you?” He cocked his head “innocently.”

The Legiana Drone could only comply. She flapped her wings and blew some icy wind onto the mould, helping to quicken the cooling process. At least, on the surface. But it worked well enough.

“Let’s get this thing into a cooler room! It’ll cool even faster that way!” N called loudly to everyone.

They nodded and started to set things up. N left first to let the Legiana Drone back outside. She fled as swiftly as she could, never looking back. N didn’t care—he was finally getting his mantle back after all!!

As he went back into the cooler rooms of the caves, he found that his mould hadn’t been moved yet. He grew curious and went back to the hot lava room. Once there, he found Uzi working on it.

She used a large pincer crane of sorts to lower gems onto the cooling mantle. They were of varying colors—warm ones and cool ones and those on neither scale. They created a beautiful, almost mosaic design on the back despite the lack of real pattern.

As Uzi placed the last gemstone, she blew out a stressed vent and swiped some sweat drops from her display. Finally, she noticed the Kulve Taroth Drone.

“Ah. Sorry. Had them stop so I could quickly add something to your mantle.” She told him. “If you don’t like it, I can easily take them out.”

N was quiet for a few moments. He stepped closer to get a better look at the mantle. The gems glimmered beautifully in the lava light. They stood out even amongst the glowing metal. N felt some blush lines blink onto his visor as he stared.

“It’s gorgeous.” He finally said.

“You think so?” Uzi laughed.

N nodded back.

“Then let’s finally move this thing to let it cool faster!” Uzi smiled wide.

Finally, her colonymates got to work moving it. The mould was set onto a flat, wheeled cart while the reins were attached to N’s back. He wheeled the mould to the outside. It was set onto the ground as chilly breezes brushed over it.

The colony cheered at a job well done and a saving of their lives. Uzi walked up to N as he simply stared at his new mantle.

“You doing alright there, buddy? You look like you’re dazed.” She asked with a cock of her head.

“I’m just– Admiring my new mantle.” He answered. “I… Thank you. Very much.” The blush lines returned in full.

“It’s no problem.” Uzi sighed back. “Though, it’s not like I really had much of a choice anyway. Me and my whole colony would’ve died, so.” She shrugged.

N chuckled at her response. “Well, I figured I’d say thank you anyway. Especially for making my mantle even more beautiful than before.” His tail thumped happily in the snow.

“Anything to ensure we all don’t die.” Uzi joked with her own laugh.

N just nodded. His sights turned to the Worker Drone. Somehow, her smile glimmered as elegantly as gold. And her hair looked as shiny as gemstones. Like the necklace…

‘Was that melted down, too?’ N wondered for a moment. ‘Are those purple crystals still in there? Sitting among the gold?’

N shook his head. He stood up and picked up his shroud. The cold air had helped it to cool faster, but it certainly wasn’t done. N didn’t care. He set it onto his back and let the metal sluggishly glide downwards. It looks better with the ripples.

As the sun gleamed down upon his mantle, the colony all cooed in awe. N smiled as he held out the side and stared down at it. The gemstones only added to its elegance and glamor.

“You all certainly have earned your right to live.” N told them.

The colony burst into another round of raucous cheering. Uzi giggled at them. N’s gaze was stuck on her.

“Thank you again, Uzi. I wouldn’t have gotten such an exquisite mantle without you.” He said one more time. “Mostly because it wouldn’t have been stolen in the first place.” His smile was cheeky.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up!” Uzi nudged his leg. “But just know that without me stealing it, you wouldn’t have gotten this thing!” She pointed to his new shroud.

“I just said that!” N laughed.

“Just reminding you!” Uzi retorted playfully.

The two laughed at each other. N couldn’t help but gaze at the worker as she did so. His blush lines increased as he stared, his core all but fluttering in his chest plates.

“You know, I also wanted to thank you for going so far to help me.” He added. 

“Hm? How so?” Uzi inquired.

N’s smile grew gentler. “By spending your own medicine. Even that little bit of gold you bought helped out this thing together.”

Uzi froze at the mention of it. But she schooled her expression and cleared her voice box.

“W-Well, of course! Anything to get you off my ass!” She huffed in amusement.

“Yeah. Sure.” N replied simply.

Uzi gave him a wary look but said nothing more about it. She instead turned to her colony, hearing them talk about putting together a party for this momentous achievement.

“I guess this is where we part ways?” She questioned with a mild shrug.

N was startled by it. “I– We could– N-Not quite–” He fumbled.

“I’m sure you’re tired of seeing me.” Uzi shook her head. “But… I’m glad we met. It was nice riding the back of a Monster Drone.” She laughed again.

N didn’t even know what to say.

“Welp! I gotta get back inside! My life savings aren’t gonna replenish themselves!” She stretched. “Don’t go losing that mantle now, you hear? And don’t let me steal it again, either!” She laughed as she turned.

Uzi waved at him and walked off. N was left behind as she and her colony retreated back inside. The silence settled heavily around him.

Suddenly, N found his warm mantle all but freezing.

“Surely…” N muttered. “Surely…!”

He suddenly ran forward, his stomps startled and alerting the Worker Drones. “Surely it’d be okay if I visited from time-to-time, right?!” He asked frantically.

Uzi stared back at him as N held a pleading look. She glanced at her colony. They shrugged back.

“Uhm, okay–” She nodded.

N roared in glee and swiped her off her feet. He spun them around and nuzzled his cheek all over her frame. Uzi screamed as she was bombarded with physical affection.

“Then let’s go party all night long!!!” He exclaimed.

N went running back into the cave. The colony stared at each other. They shrugged. They began to cheer as they, too, ran inside the cave to party.

Despite the whole fiasco that left Uzi broke all over again, she’d managed to rebuild some of her wealth. Mostly through hard work and a lot less theft, but she wasn’t poorer than dirt now!

The said woman parked her trolley and let out a sigh as she stepped out. She let her colony unload her new haul and took a breather for a few minutes.

‘I’ll need to get my tools fixed. They’re getting all chipped and stuff.’ She glanced at the said items. ‘That’s gonna take a chunk out of my wallet.’ A whine left her throat.

Uzi blew out another vent and got back to her feet. Just as she started on her way to the tool repair shop, the sound of rumbling got louder and louder. Uzi couldn’t even turn to stare at whatever was causing it before being crushed under a familiar weight.

“Hello, my Amethyst!! How’re you today?!” N asked as he put all his weight onto the poor worker. “I heard you running around in the mines! Did you find anything good!” His hips shimmied as he lied on her.

“Mm… Yep…” Uzi rasped back, face-first on the floor.

“That’s great!!” N’s tail wagged under his gem-and-gold mantle. “By the way, I was thinking that I could spend the night here again? We could watch movies and have a sleep over and everything!!” His hips swayed more as his blush lines increased.

“Tha-at’s nice…” Uzi strangled back, just about suffocating under the gold on his chest and the stalagmite-looking spikes digging into the floor.

“EEEEEE!!!! That’s wonderful!!!” N squealed as his tail thumped against the floor. “Oh! And don’t worry about any expenses! I’m sure I can handle them all!” He added giddily.

“Mhm…” Uzi barely hummed back.

N made a happy roar and pressed his weight harder onto the Worker Drone. Uzi screamed as her whole body was crushed. Unfortunately for her, no one dared to help. They’d only get rolled right over—literally!

“Well, for now, why don’t I help you on your excursions, hm?! I’m way faster than that little cart of yours! And I can carry more precious stones and ores!” The Kulve Taroth Drone went on.

“You can-n if you g-get off me fi-rst…” Uzi choked back, trying hard not to be crushed—somehow.

N roared again and thankfully lifted off her. Uzi took a deep vent while she could, but was quickly scooped up by the larger robot.

“Let’s get going now so you don’t stay broke forever! The sooner we go out, the more things we can find and sell!” N went on as he turned on his heel.

Uzi didn’t even respond anymore. She’s positive he just crushed the robo-soul out of her.

As the two went back down into the mines, the colony just stared worriedly at them. All they could do was shrug and shake their heads and return to working.

But, at least, the two seemed to be getting closer.

They think…